What must we do if the state erred in determining the beginning and end of Ramadan, and it was proven that we missed a day from it; and must we make it up?
The Fatwa [legal opinion] according to us is that the people of each country have their own sighting of the crescent moon, and astronomical calculation is not considered. Rather, the legal sighting is necessary. And whoever relies on astronomical calculation acts upon the sighting of the nearest countries where the crescent moon is sighted. So, if it is established with certainty that the state incorrectly determined the day of fasting by relying on astronomical calculation, and the crescent moon was legally sighted, then it is obligatory to make up for that day, because it is a debt owed, and the debt of Allah is more deserving of being fulfilled.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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